Stockport Views On Williams

We asked Vital Stockport for their views on new loan signing and defender Ashley Williams.

The 23 year-old and County captain joined us just minutes before Thursday's loan deadline, the day after he made his international debut for Wales.

County fans must be disappointed to say the very least as Williams has played a vital role this season as they look to win a play-off place.

The Swans have managed to fend off competition from the likes of Cardiff City and Wolves to capture him for the remainder of the season with a permanent deal likely to be discussed in the Summer.

Sam Byrne, Vital Stockport's co-editor said:

You have got a VERY good deal here. Ash came to the club from non league Hednesford, and was basically crap under our old manager Chris Turner.

Jim Gannon came in, and Williams looked a different player. He is very quick, has a lot of strength and as he got older, interest was made public by Everton and Wolves. He became captain this season as a result of all his hard work.

You will still get the odd League Two hoof ball, but that will improve with time I feel. Ash is certainly fit to grace the Championship. Injury last year meant that no-one signed him in January, although a £500,000 was rejected off Luton.

He certainly sounds like the quality centre back we've been looking for for the past few months and Sam Byrne also pointed out he can play at right back as well:

Ash can also play right back, even scoring a Goal of the season against Rochdale in that postion. At his best, not a lot of League One strikers will get past him, but he is prone to the odd lapse and his distribution is a bit off at times. he is a very good leader and an awesome header of the ball, even if his hairstyles are not so good!

Considering Luton were turned down with a £500k offer, I would want a good sum more than that to let Ash go, as he will improve with good coaching and with age. It seems weird that the centre half who was about to be loaned out to Tamworth under Chris Turner has turned out to play for Wales and play for a future Championship team. With some good support off you guys and advice on his game, he will go a long way.

Ashley Williams has travelled with the squad for today's match at Hartlepool and is available for selection.

Vital Swansea would like to thank Sam Byrne at Vital Stockport for sending us his views.